"comparison is the killer of joy"

A few weeks ago we traveled down to the south to visit a few friends. We wanted Simon to meet them. On our southern friend tour were our friends, Kathryn and Tyler McCrary. Kathryn went to Georgia, but we didn't actually meet until new teacher orientation after I moved to Auburn. We taught together and parted ways last May when we moved to St. Louie and she to Atlanta. They're the type of friends that we'll probably be life-friends with. Along with teaching, Kathryn is also a photographer. She owns her own photography business, Kathryn McCrary Photography in downtown ATL. She took our first family portraits, and I'm in love with them. These photos are gorgeous; thought I'd share them with you in case you haven't seen them. {And thank you Sally for giving us the perfect photo outfit for little man.}

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Sometimes, it's easy for me to wallow in my own self-pity. I think that's when I get a little depressed - when I'm being self absorbed and walk around with a woe-is-me attitude.

One of the "nuggets" of wisdom I learned when I was a Young Life leader in college is: "Comparison is the killer of joy."

This statement couldn't be truer, and I have to remind myself of it all the time.

When I begin to compare my life to others - the comparison jackhammer strikes my life and sucks the joy right out of it.

It's then when I have to be reminded of all that I have - the physical and nonphysical. 

I've never been hungry a day in my life.

I'm in good health and the Lord gives me day after day.

There will always be people with bigger houses, better clothes, better hair, more money, better jobs, people who are more rested than I am.

And when I compare myself to others who have less than me - I get puffed up with pride and self righteousness.

Comparing my life or myself up or down - kills my joy. So I must remind myself, not to compare, but be grateful for what I have. Which is so much.

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How is it possible not to believe in God? This little man was created out of absolutely nothing. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.